Support

Support

The Arts & Digital Literacy Initiative is made possible by the support and dedication of Texas teachers, administrators, and individuals who recognize art as an economic driver and a key component of student success.

“As a representative of all the small schools in Texas, Richland Springs id delighted to be a part of expanding the arts to rural schools. I was considering retiring from teaching theatre until this intriguing new Theatre and Media Communications course came along, and now, I am rejuvenated and inspired.”

Patsy Hall, Theatre and Media Communications I teacher, Richland Springs High School

“It is exciting to see a curriculum being built that will be affirming, challenging, and skill-building for at-risk 9th graders. I can already visualize students who have not had an art class for years re-engaging in the creative arts, and in turn, gaining marketable skills that are in demand in the workplace.”

Suki Steinhauser, Executive Director of Communities in Schools in Austin

“These courses are a great opportunity for a child to be prepared, not just academically but…for the 21st century workplace, using the arts to really connect with these kids, many of whom have never had an art class before, but need it.”

Elizabeth Sanchez Lopes, Supervisor, Northside Independent School District, Dance and Media Communications I and Theatre and Media Communications I

“What’s most exciting about this program is that so many more students are going to get a chance to participate in the fine arts who have, for one reason or another, been excluded in the past. There is a huge appetite among students to know about the arts and this program opens the door to many, many more children who want that opportunity. This is an important thing for Texas and for education in the state of Texas.”

Dr. Douglas Dempster, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, The University of Texas at Austin

Partners

Dr. Doug Dempster, Dean, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Hunter C. March, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Robert Duke, University of Texas at Austin
Tom Waggoner, University of Texas at Austin
Glenn Richter, University of Texas at Austin
Rod Caspers, University of Texas at Austin
Rusty Cloyes, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Megan Alrutz, University of Texas at Austin
Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Tina Curran, University of Texas at Austin
Jeff Ellinger, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Christina Bain, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Paul Bolin, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Melinda Mayer, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Kara Hallmark, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Chistopher Adejumo, University of Texas at Austin
Gary Powell, University of Texas at Austin
Kris Andrews, Center for Education Development in Fine Arts
Dr. Gary Gibbs, Texas Commission on the Arts
Chuck Winkler, Texas Commission on the Arts